The agribusiness workforce is rapidly evolving, and the need for strong, emerging leaders in our companies has reached a critical level. In 2014, the Agribusiness Council of Indiana (ACI) recognized this challenge and offered its members a robust leadership development program - the Emerging Professionals Leadership Program - to help continue to grow a leadership pipeline and ensure a strong future for Indiana's agribusinesses.  Each year, ACI seeks 25 aspiring leaders from across the membership to participate in the class.  The program provides participants with an in-depth view of Indiana's agribusiness community, an opportunity to hear from and meet key leaders across the sectors, and a year-long focus on leadership development.

2027 Applications Will Open on October 1, 2026

2026 Session Schedule

January 22  -  ACI Annual Meeting

January 29  -  State Policy Track - Indianapolis Statehouse

February 23  -  ACI Statehouse Day - Indianapolis

March 10  -  Plant Food Track - AgPlus - Indianapolis

March 19/20  -  Grain Track, CGB, Jeffersonville, IN

June 17  -  Feed Track - Superior Ag, Dale, IN

July 17  -  Ag Chem Track - Keystone, Indian Trails, IN

Sept 23/24  -  Federal Policy Track, Washington, DC

October 7  -  Seed Track - Beck's Hybrids, Atlanta, IN

December 7  -  Bringing It All Together - Indianapolis

Who Should Apply?

If you are interested in:

• Increasing your understanding and knowledge of Indiana agribusiness and the programs and opportunities offered by ACI.
• Understanding the state and federal legislative process.
• Awareness about the various state and federal agencies that provide oversight of the agribusiness industry in Indiana.
• Honing leadership and communication skills through professional development.
• Becoming a voice for agriculture through involvement in ACI, boards of directors, political campaigns or holding public office.

If you want to experience:

• A Statehouse Day, where you will interact with your state and local legislators.
• Visits to Indiana agribusinesses representing the seed, feed, grain, plant food and agricultural chemical industries.
• A Washington, D.C. fly-in to meet the Indiana delegation and leaders from national agribusiness member organizations.
• And so much more!

If you meet these:

• Applicants must work for a member organization/company of ACI.
• Applicants must obtain approval from supervisor and/or company leadership to commit to the program.
• Complete an application, which includes one letter of recommendation.
• Applicants and supervisors must sign a letter of commitment to the scheduled sessions and program fee ($3950).